tatva vaada philosophy

8/13/2019 Tatva Vaada Philosophy

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TATVAVAADA PHILOSOPHY

M A D H WA B R A H M I N S

This is the official blog of Madhwa Brahmins orkut community. Some of the

important topics discussed in the orkut community can be found here. Check out

our blog archives on the right side.

We Madhwa Brahmins (brAhmaNas) are the brahmins who follow the

Tatvavaada (dvaita) Philosophy, revived and propagated by the Vaishnava saintand philosopher Shri Madhwacharya (1238-1317 CE). Even though we are now

scattered all around the world, we originally hail from places in Karnataka and

the neighboring states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Our main dialects are Kannada, Tulu, Marathi, Telugu and Konkani.

Our principal preceptor Shri Madhwacharya (also known by the names

Poornaprajna and Anandateertha) is the 22nd commentator on the Brahma

suutra of Sri Veda Vyasa. He is the third avatar of Sri Mukhya PraaNa, the god oflife, as given in the baLittha sUkta of the Rig Veda, his first two avatars being Sri

Hanumanta and Sri Bheemasena.

abhramaM bhangarahitaM ajaDaM vimalaM sadA |

AnandateerthaM atulaM bhaje tApatrayApaham ||

hari sarvOttama vAyu jeevOttama


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Biography of Sriman Madhvacharya

Hare Sreenivasa

Srimad Ananda Teertha , also known as Poornaprajna and Madhvacharya , is

the propagator of the doctrine of Tattvavada. He is the last of the great Acharyas of

Vedanta, and is also the 22nd commentator on the Brahma-Stra of Veda Vyasa.

His doctrine asserts that the differences are eternally real, and that hence there is more

than one absolute real, and that Hari (Vishnu) is the only entity praised in the Shrutis

and their adjuncts. Thus, he always identifies the Brahman of the Upanishads with

Vishnu, and forcefully argues against the dichotomy of Shrutis (tattvaavedaka /

atattvaavedaka) as claimed by Sri Sankaracharya, saying that such arbitration of

apaurusheya scripture is unacceptable both logically and spiritually. He also emphasizes

that it is important to understand and specifically reject other schools' precepts, and

hence devotes much time to nitpicking analyses and denunciations of other doctrines.

Srimad Ananda Teertha is commonly identified with Madhva, the third avataara of

Mukhya PraaNa, the god of life, as given in the BaLittha Sukta of the Rig Veda. The first

two avatara-s are as Hanuman and Bheemasena , and the third is Madhva, who camedown to Earth as a sanyasi.

Srimad Ananda Teertha himself makes the claim to being Madhva in several instances,

one of which is in the Vishnu-tattva-vinirnaya. It was recognized in his own time, and it

has been documented, that he had all thirty-two shubha-lakshaNa-s that define a ruju-

taattvika-yogi, including the prescribed height of ninety-six inches ("shaNNavati

angulo.apetam") quoted in the Mahabharata-Tatparya-Nirnaya.

However, he is firmly set against the notion of accepting doctrines because they come

from prophets or claimed gods. He also dismisses claims that only part of the Vedas are

useful, and claims that even the so-called karma-kaNDa portions of them are only

meant to worship Hari.


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Sumadhvavijaya is a biographical account of Acharya Madhva composed by Sri

Narayana Panditacharya, the son of Sri Trivikrama Panditacharya, who was a

contemporary of Acharya Madhva. The generally accepted dates for Madhva are 1238-

1317 CE (AD) , while those for Narayana Panditacharya are 1295-1370 CE. It is very

likely that the young Narayana was associated with many of the events covered in

detailed descriptions of Acharya Madhvas life.

Dr. B.N.K. Sharma says Madhvas biography, unlike others of its kind, has a perfect

historical perspective and never indulges in anachronisms and episodes of a

compromising nature to the subject. We get a pen-picture of Madhva saying that he had

all the maha purusha lakshana-s. Madhva was a great sportsman, and also a good

wrestler, mountaineer, etc. The early incidents of digesting horsegram as a baby still on

mothers milk, eating thousands of plantains and drinking pots of milk as a young lad,

and eating all the food offered by several hosts in Badarinath, as well as keeping a

complete fast with total silence for 48 days in that extremely cold and difficult place

before going to meet Sri Veda Vyasa all portray Madhva as one who was not an

ordinary person dependent on food.

Similarly, Madhva is said to have shown that God is present everywhere, even as a

toddler of two years, by his actions in visiting the temples. The attachment of his parents

to the beautiful child, and their sorrow when he renounced the world at the young age of

eight years, are poignant, but Madhva maintains his dignity and conviction without

hurting them.

Note:

The first fourteen sarga-s of Sumadhvavijaya were translated to English and coded by

Sri Raghavendra Rachuri. The last two were added by Sri Krishna Kadiri. Smt Meera

Tadipatri and Sri Anand Ravipati read the proofs.

The latest version of this material is always available on the web at

http://www.dvaita.net. I am only reproducing the same here.


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Invocation:

kAntAya kalyANa guNaikadhAmnE navadhyunAthapratimaprabhAya

nArAyaNAya akhila kAraNAya shrI prANanAthAya namaskarOmi

I offer my obeisance to Lord Narayana, with the most delightful personality, who is the

unique primal fountain head and embodiment of countless auspicious qualities like

Jnana, Ananda etc, who is the creator of the world of living souls and inert matter, who

has the effulgence of the just rising Sun, who is the Lord of Mahalakshmi, and Mukhya

Prana, who controls the life force of all living beings.

anAkulam gOkulamullalAsa yatpAlitam nityamanAvilAtma

tasmai namO nIradanIlabhAsE kRuShNAya kRuShNAramaNa priyAya

I offer my obeisance to Krishna who has the luster of dark rain-bearing clouds and is

very dear to the husband(s) of Draupadi (called Krishnaa). Krishna also protected from

danger or destruction, the cow herds of Gokula from enemies.

mukunda bhaktyai gurubhaktijAyai satAm prasatyE cha nirantarAyai

garIyasIm vishvagurOrvishuddhAm vakShyAmi vAyOravatAralIlAm

Devotion to God (Mukunda) will arise only with devotion to the preceptor (Guru).

Hence, for securing the grace of God for the good people through devotion, I will

describe the great, pure Avataaraleela of Sri Vayu, who is the great preceptor of the

entire world.

Chapter 1 - Background to the incarnation

Bhima sheltering at all times at the feet of the Lord had dealt severe blows to thedemons (destroying them by his valorous deeds). The badly mauled demons who

became powerless and lost courage ran away and dispersed. This was like clouds being

dispersed by strong wind.

To avenge their being rendered powerless at the hands of the powerful Bhima, the


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demons schemed to take birth again in Kali Yuga. According to their innate nature, they

composed evil (misleading) works propounding that Vishnu does not possess any

attribute (Nirguna).

In Dwapara yuga, Manimanta , a demon who had been killed by Bhima at

Gandhamadana mountain had developed a great hatred and a spirit of competition with

Bhima. He performed rigorous penances to obtain Ishwara's boon that he should be

endowed with great disputational abilities. Manimanta took birth in a Brahmin family in

Kaliyuga. Many other main demons were also born on this earth at the same time (with

the same objective).

Like how a thieving cat tries to drink the milk, like how a lowly dog tries to steal food,

like how an ape without sense tries to steal a necklace of invaluable jewels, similarly, the

evil demons taking birth as brahmin pandits took away (tried to steal) the sacred Vedas

and other Shastras.

Note : Stealing the Vedas and Shastras refers to their misinterpretation knowingly

against their purport, leading to their effective annihilation as a source of God

knowledge.

Knowing that the people will not show him respect unless he takes the vows of a sanyasi

(ascetic), in a spirit of deceipt, Manimanta took the vows of an ascetic. This was similar

to an untamed wild elephant wanting to stir up slush in a clear pool of water with

lotuses.

Realising that Buddhism was not accepted by the people as it did not accept the validity

of the Vedas, Manimanta, who had faith in it, used a suitable subterfuge to put forward

Buddhism.

The wicked Manimanta called the asat of the Bauddhas as Sadasadvilakshana, and

Samvruthi as Maya. To justify Shunya (of the Bauddhas), he called Brahman of Vedanta

as Nirvishesha or Akhanda. As he propagated the tenets of Buddhism in a different

vocabulary (claiming to be a Vedanthin), it was called Pracchanna Bauddha (concealed


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Bauddha).

Note: The charge that Advaita is Buddhism in another format has been made by many

opposing schools and not by Madhva only. Madhvacharya has fully justified this

conclusion in his compositions Tatvodyota, Vishnu Tatva Nirnaya, and Anuvyakhyana.

Brahma Sutras composed by VedaVyasa are like the Sun illuminating the tenets of

Vedanta, with their aphorisms being the Sunrays. The Vedas (consisting of the Vishaya

and Pramana texts) are the horses drawing the chariot of this Sun. Manimanta stole the

Brahma Sutras (by his commentaries) and hence is called as a Great thief.

Though Manimanta wrote his Bhashyas on Brahmasutras claiming to be their

commentator, he conveyed the exact opposite of the meanings intended by VedaVyasa.

Inspite of this gross offence, VedaVyasa being an ocean of mercy did not destroy and

incinerate Manimanta instantly.

The inherent pure effulgence of the Gems of the Vedas (illuminating the truth about the

Supreme Being) was covered by the thick mud of gross misinterpretation in

Manimantas commentaries. He became notorious amongst the good people as he

propagated the doctrine of Non-difference (Abheda) between all entities in the world to

the people ignorant of Vedanta

Manimanta and other daityas thus propagated the doctrines of: The world is unreal

(Sadasadvilakshana - it is neither real nor unreal but it is different) The Supreme Being

is without any attributes (gunas). There is no difference between the Supreme Being and

the souls. Even the good people of the world were gradually misled and started

accepting that Vasudeva (Supreme Being) who is the embodiment of infinite auspicious

qualities like bliss is without such qualities.

The first chapter of Sri Madhvavijaya concludes here.

CHAPTER 2


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Sri Narayana Panditacharya covers the background of the parents of Acharya Madhva

who lived in Paajaka kshetra, where he was born. Some of Madhvas childhood sporting

exploits (up to the age of three) are also described.

Gods pray to Mukunda

Due to the Kali yuga, the sun-like effulgence of the correct Tatva Jnana leading to

redemption had set and darkness in the form of the series of evil commentaries (of

Brahma Sutra) pervaded every where. The good people lost their way in understanding

the correct knowledge and fell to the wrong paths. The gods were greatly depressed and

took Chaturmukha Brahma in the lead and prayed to Sri Narayana for alleviation of

their distress, who is the only giver of Redemption or Moksha.

Note: Gods (devatas) consider it as their duty to guide the good souls in the path of

redemption.

Vishnu orders Mukhya Prana to incarnate on earth

The Supreme Lord Vishnu Himself does not desire to incarnate in the fourth Yuga and is

hence called Triyuga hoothi (one who incarnates in three Yugas). Chaturmukha Brahma

does not have any incarnations. The Smiling Lord looked at the all-knowing MukhyaPrana, who gives life to all creatures of the world and who alone had the requisite

capacity to do the work. He spoke to him.

Oh, the fair faced one, the good people of the world fit for Moksha and devoted to me,

are suffering sorrow due to their being unable to choose the right path shown by

Vedanta (by their own efforts). They have no other succour and hence deserve our

kindness. They should be made happy by your incarnation in an auspicious part of the

world in another form and by your giving decisive commentaries (on Vedanta andShastras) which clearly show my infinite auspicious attributes.

Mukhya Prana accepts

Mukhya Prana accepted the command of the Supreme Being with head bent, folded


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hands (held in front for receiving gracious gifts) and complete humility like a great

priceless crown, lustrous with jewels (placed on his head) in the form of well-spoken

benedictory words. The prayers of other gods to him (for the same purpose) were worn

on his breast like a precious necklace. He decided to incarnate on the earth to save His

devotees.

Indication for Mukhya PraNa's incarnation

During the time when the gods were praying to the Supreme Being for Mukhya Pranas

incarnation, here on earth, groups of good people were filled with anxiety about the

correct method of obtaining redemption as they were unable (by their own efforts) to get

the essence of the ageless meaning and purport of the Vedanta as determined by the

Brahma Sutras.

Note: The quest for redemption is natural for any thinking individual - more so for one

with faith in the creator. Thus, the need for a convincing Moksha Shastra was felt

seriously by many good people. See the incidents of conversions of Shobana Bhatta,

Trivikrama Pandita and others later.

For giving happiness to such people, the Supreme Being residing in RajatapeeThapura

(Udupi Ananteshwara temple) entered into a person on the occasion of a festival of greatimportance when there were huge crowds and commotion, causing great curiosity and

interest in the people. (The festival of Makara samkranti is referred to as indicated in

Bhava Prakashika).

Note: Even now Makara Sankramanotsava is very important in Udupi.

Note: Sri Ananteshwara in Udupi is actually Sri Hari in the form of Linga.

When Lord H ari incarnated as Parashurama, he studied under Shiva.To commemorate this student-teacher relationship, Lord Anantashayana

(Hari) entered the Shivalinga and stayed there. Another old temple in

front of Ananteshwara, called the Chandramouli temple, is truly devoted

to Shiva. Chandramouli is in the front, and Ananteshwara is in the back.

In fact Lord Hari is always "behind" His devotees.


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Parents of Madhva

In this world with its seven continents and seven seas, in whose center is the land called

Bharatha, known as Karma Bhumi (being suitable for the performance of all auspicious

acts leading to redemption), in Kali Yuga there lived a Brahmin born of pure lineage and who was like the crest jewel of his family, known by his dwelling as the Middle house

(Madhyageha). (NaDillaaya in the local Tulu language)

Note: In the incident with the Shudra King, (Chapter 16 4), when Madhva

demonstrates the efficacy of the Veda Mantras, he says that Adhikara (capacity) for

achieving the results stated there in is also dependent on the person having the

prescribed qualifications right from birth. Mukhya Prana would be born only in the

house of the purest and best parents!

It is well known that there is a resplendent village called ShivarUpya adorned by the

temple of Ananteshwara, known as the Lord of the RajaThapeetha pura and Vedadri

mountain, where in the excellent Brahmin lived. This is similar to Ilavrutha khanda

which is adorned by the king of mountains, the golden Meru mountain and Rudra (who

lives there).

He was the most prominent person in the lineage of three families and lived in Paajaka

kshetra.

Paajaka Kshetra

Udupi is a small town situated in the coastal area of Karnataka. Eight kms to the south-

east of Udupi, there is a small and village called Paajaka. This place is adorned by

Vimanagiri (Kunjaaru Giri) by its side, decorated by a garland in the form of the deity

Durga installed and consecrated by Parashurama on its crest. Perennial water is

available here in the form of a pond and four Tirthas created by the Lord Himself (in His

incarnation as Parashurama). These tirthas are: Parashu tirtha, Dhanus tirtha, Baana

tirtha and Gadaa Tirtha. All the four tirthas are sacred and lead to Moksha for the

deserving people.


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(Note: There is a fifth tirtha called Vasudeva Tirtha, which was created by

Madhvacharya himself; explained later)

Education and Marriage of Madhyageha Bhatta

He obtained sacred knowledge of the Vedas and married a suitable bride. They provided

him with the four Purusharthas Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha and would also

give a great gift (knowledge of God Himself, Madhva). He received them as appropriate

to himself from an excellent Brahmin (well versed in the Vedas, father of the bride). The

Vedas were composed of well-enunciated letters, just as the bride wore golden

ornaments.

He sported with her, a great devotee of the Lord, with pure mind and great wisdom, freefrom false attachments to worldly things, to beget his son, who would be known in

future as Ananda Tirtha. This was like a person of great wisdom delighting in the study

of the faultless Upanishads (Vedas), which are not composed by any one. Similarly, it

was also like a pure minded devotee delighting in devotion to the Supreme Hari or like a

philosopher with no false attachments reveling in his bliss in Mukti, which is of his own

essence.

People called him by the name Bhatta, as he was well versed in the secrets andintricacies of Mahabharata and Puranas (recited by him). Though learned, he was very

humble and was engaged in correct observance of his daily rituals and duties. He offered

his constant devotion at the feet of his family deity Ananteshwara.

His discourses of the delightful stories of Govinda which were like Nectar, not only gave

pleasure to the ears and minds of the human listeners, but did the same even to the gods

worshipping the lotus feet of Lord Ananteshwara, the Lord of Lakshmi in Udupi

(Rajathapeethapura).

Parents of Madhva serve Lord Anantashayana

In this manner, though he was fully satisfied with the recitation of the auspicious

qualities of Hari, he was also being influenced strongly by those who held that Hari


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(Supreme Being) has no attributes (Advaita or Mayavada). Though his great intellect

had been purified and sharpened by repeated listening (recitation) of the Shastras, he

was still full of doubts about the true tenets of Vedanta due to the influence of time (Kali

age). So, he thought about what he should do.

A son is called Putra as he saves his parents from the hell called Puth. But, such full

protection (from hell) is not possible through a son who is not all knowing. Therefore,

what are the methods by which one can get a son who is like an ocean of knowledge, and

is free from ignorance or wrong knowledge.

Let us take shelter with Narayana, our family deity, who has infinite and perfect

auspicious qualities, which constitute his body and is an ocean of kindness. He was the

deity whom Kardama, Parashara, Pandu and others worshipped in the past, by which

they were granted the boon of having sons who were full of auspicious qualities.

Note: The Madhyageha couple had a daughter before Madhva was born.

Having thought over this subject thus, he (Bhatta) with pure mind and having none

other than God as his saviour, performed austerities for twelve years to Lord

Ananteshwara in Rajathapeethapura (Udupi) who has the serpent Shesha as His bed

and who can give the most desired boons, with such great devotion as would lead to

redemption from the fear of the ocean of Samsara

While he was offering devotional austerities to the lotus like feet of the Lord along with

his wife, he reduced further those little pleasures in day to day living which had already

been reduced earlier. His controlled mind was further controlled and they purified their

bodies further, after they had already done so.

That couple desirous of having a son who would be an ocean of auspicious qualities

performed a number of important, extremely difficult and arduous austerities such as

living only on milk, etc. Due to their devotion and sincere efforts which were impelled by

the Supreme Being immanent in them, Narayana, who is the complete person with

infinite auspicious qualities was fully pleased with them, as he had been with Aditi and


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Kashyapa in the past. (when the Lord incarnated in the Vamana form)

They were sanctified by the nectar of Gods great kindness (being sprinkled on them)

and due to the special presence of the Supreme Being and His consort Goddess Lakshmi

in their thin bodies. The divine radiance obtained after continuous observation of many

difficult austerities, indicated the very great purity of their bodies.

Note: The constant, prolonged austerities with single minded devotion of a couple who

were extremely pious and God fearing by nature described here, show that a great soul

like Madhva would only be born in a very special family. There can be no doubt that the

Madhyageha couple who gave the world TWO wonderful children Madhvacharya and

VishnuTirtha were themselves very great persons. Reference to the immanence of

Narayana and Laskhmi in them is indicative of the future birth of Mukhya Prana.

Madhvacharya (Vasudeva) is born

That daughter of a great Brahmin and wife of Bhatta wearing a clean garment conceived

from her husband, a great devotee of the Lord, on a suitable day a foetus that would be

free from ignorance and give happiness to the world and thus had her ardent desire

fulfilled. This was like the night with a clear sky having a full moon with bright

moonlight flooding all the directions and dispelling darkness (in the bright half of thelunar month). Her foetus grew like the white orb of the moon in the brighter half of the

month and she delivered the baby.

770 years in the past, (1238 AD), 4339th year of Kaliyuga, Vijaya dashami

day following the Navaraatri, in the bright half of the month Ashwina in the

Vilambi samvatsara was a day of great festivity. On that day afternoon,

Acharya Madhvas mother delivered baby !

Mukhya Prana, who had been ordered by God, came to RupyapeeTha (Udupi) and after

offering his prostrations to the Lord there (Ananteshwara) went to his future abode with

a part of himself.

He, who was the Lord of all the worlds and endowed with six auspicious possessions


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(Shadgunaiswarya) entered the body of the new born baby which possessed all the (32)

auspicious attributes and was extremely beautiful having nine main entries, by sending

away its earlier occupant. This was like a king entering a great city with all attractive

features with nine main gates.

Note: As Mukhya Prana is not obliged to suffer the privations of a long stay in the womb,

there was another inferior soul which did it and which was sent away when he entered

the body.

Bhatta comes to know

There were deep sounds of divine drums from the heavens which were heard even on

earth by curious listeners. It was as if they were saying - let the groups of good people of

the world rejoice and evil persons become miserable, as Vayu has now incarnated on the

earth.

The learned Bhatta had worshipped his Deity Ananteshwara in Udupi and was coming

back being at a place not far from his house. He heard the celestial sounds and

auspicious drums which were being beaten by another party. He was extremely happy

due to such auspicious omens indicating his sons birth. Knowledge ca n be a cause of

happiness, even when received indirectly.

Bhatta performs Jathakarmas

He, who always performed auspicious actions, entered his house and seeing his son with

a moon like face praised and admired him. He offered his earnest gratitude and prayers

to Mukunda for His kindness. He performed all the prescribed ceremonies (on the

occasion of birth) for his new baby who was seen to possess a large number of good

qualities.

Baby is named Vaasudeva


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He gave the name of Vasudeva to the new baby. Gods in heaven thought that this was

appropriate as he was Mukhya Prana (Asudeva) born for the specific purpose of

redeeming correct knowledge and he had constant and great devotion to the Supreme

Being who had incarnated as Krishna, the son of Vasudeva.

Gift of cow for the babys milk

A neighbour living in the east (Poorvalaya or mUDillAya) gave the gift of a cow for

giving milk to the young baby. He was born later as his own grand son and received the

right knowledge of the Supreme Being which redeems one from Samsara. A gift given to

a very deserving person will always give great returns.

Baby is offered to Ananteshwara

One day, Bhatta, the learned scholar offered his precious baby with large wide open

eyes, completely fearless disposition and with the effulgence of his body similar to the

newly rising moon to his Lord Ananteshwara as a gift. This was similar to offering a

priceless, flawless, polished Gem having the colour of the rising moon and with great

lustre to his master.

Baby shows its might in midnight

After prostrating in front of Hari (Ananteshwara) dwelling in Rajatapeethapura (Udupi)

to seek protection from all harm and securing of all desirable blessings for the child, he

went back home during midnight itself along with his son and other members of the

family.

In the dark and fearful forest at midnight, an evil spirit dwelling there tormented one of

the party, who vomited blood. Some one seeing this fearful sight exclaimed it is a

wonder that this fiend has not tormented the baby.


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The fearsome spirit entered the person who vomited blood and said I am capable of

killing all those who come here at the time of our sport (midnight), but all of you have

been protected by the Lord of the world (who is in the form of the child). It is a wonder

that the Lord of the world (Mukhya Prana) is showing himself off as a mere child.

Baby is fed horsegram by innocent sister

Once, the gentle mother took the baby at her breast and fed him fully. Though she was

unhappy to leave the baby alone, she had to go out from her house for some work and

entrusted the task of looking after the baby, who is the protector of the entire world in

reality, in her absence, to her obedient young daughter (elder sister of Madhva).

When the baby started crying loudly, the young innocent girl tried to console it to stop it

from crying by saying in lisping words my beautiful baby, oh little one, do not cry,

mother will soon be back with delicious things for you.

When the crying of the baby continued and increased further and the mother did not

come back even after a long time, the girl took him in her arms and started looking out

again and again for the return of the mother.

When she did not do what to do (to stop the baby crying) she gave him all the freshly

cooked horse gram (huruLi) to eat. On the other hand, the babys mother had always

given cooled milk to the baby for drinking to avoid intake of hot milk causing increase in

heat (Ushna).

Note: This indicates that the baby which was fed with cooked horse gram was still

breastfed and when milk was given it was given after cooling to avoid problems with its

digestion.

My baby must certainly be needing to be fed and must be crying bitterly. I have been

engaged in doing works for others and have been without kindness and consideration

for my own baby. Shame on me thought the anxious mother, as she came back to the


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house and saw her baby with his belly full and smiling.

She enquired about the (unexpected) condition of the baby from the girl and came to

know all that had happened. She thought - what was fed to the baby being not easily

digestible even by the young adults, how can the baby digest it. She was very angry with

her daughter and scolded her severely, while at the same time she was very much

worried about the babys health.

But the baby continued to be healthy as ever and the mother was filled with surprise.

The mother took the baby in her arms and repeatedly breast-fed the baby. The father

took him on his lap and repeated sacred incantations to ward off evil. Even other people

tried to make it play with them. This was because all of them were anxious to see the

charming smile on the babys face, which was like a rejuvenating potion to them.

Lakshmi, the mother of Mukhya Prana, who is also the mother of all the three worlds,

who knew his capacity to perform all actions, was never surprised when he took the

Kaalakoota poison which came up when the milky ocean was churned (by the gods and

demons) and swallowed it (without any ill effects).

Note: There is a misconception that only Shiva drank the Kaalakoota poison. But the

Rig Veda Keshi Sookta clearly states (10.136) thus:

vAyurasmA upAmanthat.h pinashTismA kunannamA |

keshI vishasya pAtreNa yadh rudreNApibath saha ||

vAyuH = Vayu;

asmA = asmai = for him (for Shiva)

upAmanthat = squeezed well (that poison);

pinashhTismA = kneaded and crushed;

kunannamA = evil punisher (vAyu);

keshI = who has the Lord's sannidhAna;

vishhasya pAtreNa = with the vessel full of poison;

yad = which;


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rudreNa saha =along with Rudra;

apibat = drank.

Vayu squeezed, kneaded and crushed a small portion of poison, thus weakening it, and

gave it to Shiva to drink, and drank the potent part of poison himself along with Shiva.

rudreNa saha = along with Rudra. So Vayu is the main consumer of the poison. Rudra is

a secondary participant.

Vasudeva starts lisping words

Vasudeva started lisping his first words unclearly. This commencement of speech as the

sport of goddess Saraswati on his tongue and lips was anxiously and reverently awaited

by the gods and other good people.. But gradually the words and voice became clear and

sweet. This was similar to Goddess Saraswati entering the court of Chaturmukha

Brahma (her husband), behind veils and curtains, shyly at first, being greeted by

assembled gods and saints with reverence and slowly becoming fully visible to the court.

The baby started crawling on all fours and then slowly stood up holding other supports

(like the mothers hands). Gradually after many days , and by practice he started walking

around in the house and familiar places. Mukhya Prana, who activates all actions of all

the creatures of the world did all this to pretend that he was only a normal baby.

Baby Vasudevas trip with the Ox

Once, he held in his hands the clean tail of their ox (vRuShabha) which was dear to him

and going out early in the morning for grazing and quickly went out with it towards the

forest unseen by his parents and relatives. He held on to its tail, when it wandered over

several forest areas in search for grass.

The ox had a big bright body, long horns and well-shaped orifices like the mouth etc. It

stood covering a large area under its four feet. Holding a small part of its body (tail), the

boy shone like the rising sun becoming visible over the Udaya Mountains.


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His kith and kin who were anxious as they had not seen the baby for some time started

searching for him. The boy is playful and independent minded They thought has

he had hidden himself inside the house s ome where or fallen into the well? After

searching repeatedly and not finding him they started getting worried and sad.

Though they were informed by some cow herds that they saw the boy holding on to the

tail of the Ox grazing in the forest they did not believe it at first. But when they saw the

one year old boy coming back along with the Ox when the cows came home in the

evening, they accepted the words as true.

The kith and kin were immensely happy with the recovery of the child in the same

manner as a poverty stricken person would be when he gets Chinthamani (Wish-jewel

which gives all desires instantly) or one who aspires for Salvation (Moksha) gets the

special knowledge leading towards Vishnu (giver of Moksha). But they understood it as

the grace of Lord Ananteshwara that their child was back home safe with them.

Vasudeva settles his fathers debt

Once Vasudeva came back after playing outside the house and wanted to take food (as

he was hungry) along with his father. He called his father for food, but the father gentlyanswered looking at Vasudevas moon like face This seller of the Ox is preventing me

from taking food (along with himself) until I pay him his dues. (which I am not in a

position to do immediately)

Vasudeva gathered in his tender playful hands some (Tamarind) seeds, whose number

was equal to the number of Nishkas (coins in use at the time) agreed by the parties as

the price of the Ox and smilingly offered them to the seller. These were received by the

rich seller with great care like receiving a valuable gift. (The rich man released Bhattafrom his obligation immediately).

When the great Brahmin Bhatta wanted to pay him later, he said that he had received

the price of the Ox from the son. It is wonderful that this man received the great gift of

Moksha itself (purushartha) directly from the great god, Mukhya Prana, incarnating in


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the form of the young child through the medium of the seeds.

Vasudeva makes people happy

People were happy with the different sporting acts of the child known by the good name

Vasudeva, who was born as a faultless incarnation of Mukhya Prana (Asudeva), who

gives life to all creatures, in the same manner as people (contemporary to him) were

happy with the other Vaasudeva Krishna, son of Vasudeva (incarnation of the Lord).

When Mukhya Prana, the servant of Lord Vishnu sported as a baby thus in this world

concealing his true capacity, the minds of the good people were filled with happiness.

When the sun rises in the sky, even when it is concealed by clouds, the lotuses bloom.

Similarly the eyes of the good people widened with pleasure.

The Second chapter of Shrimadhvavijaya Mahakavya written by Sri Narayana

Panditacharya, son of SriTrivikrama Panditacharya concludes here.

CHAPTER 3

In this chapter Vasudevas sporting activities till he attains the age of 10, when he tookthe vows of an ascetic are described. These include his devotion to God immanent in all

deities, extraordinary talents in learning, his thoroughness in understanding every thing

in depth, his great strength and sportsmanship, his gratitude to his teacher and

friendship with his fellow pupils etc. The poet gives the picture of an extraordinary

personality with great talents not yet fully revealed, but extremely human and

compassionate towards others.

Vasudeva visits temples

The relatives of the Bhatta couple loved them as the parents of the beautiful smiling

Vasudeva, whom they wanted to see again and again with great pleasure. Once, the

family went out with great hustle and bustle for a joyful family festival (marriage) along

with their relatives to a place called Naduvairi.


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Note: Anumadhvavijaya says that Vasudeva was three years at the time.

There was a great deal of coming, going, meeting and honouring of relatives by each

other which made the gathering noisy and crowded. The boy left the place alone,

knowing that the mother will not notice his absence.

Where are you going, my dear child, it is not correct for you to leave your own people

and go like this were the questions asked by wayfarers who saw him on the roadside

but his answer was just a placid smile.

Soon he reached the temple of the God in the forest (KananaDevata) [in Kodavoor] and

prostrated in front of the Lord of Ramaa, there. Then he went on to the temple called by

the name Narikela (coconut) [Talekude near Bannanje] and saluted Hari again there.

Note: The Deity in Kodavoor is Shankara Narayana and that in Thalekude (near

Bannanje is Mahalingeswara. In both places, Vasudeva offered his prostrations to

Narayana, the Supreme Being only installed/immanent in the Deity installed there.

Vasudeva was himself an object of great pleasure to the eyes and minds of onlookers

who saw him, like the Sun causing the Lotus flowers to bloom. He went on to

Rajathapeethapura (Udupi) being eager to have the darshan of the Lord with his eyes

big with happiness experienced by seeing the Lord wearing the Lotus on the Navel.

He prostrated before the Lord Anantashayana perfectly, (with both body and mind

totally concentrated on Him). Gods and Brahmins who saw his prostrations with

wonder considered that they are superior in earning merit to the performance of a large

number of great Ashvamedha Yajnas correctly in the prescribed manner.

Note: Vasudeva, inspite of his three years of age had covered large distances

Shankara Narayana temple at a distance of 1.6 Kms from Nidiyur (location of

marriage ceremonies), a further 3 Kms to Thalekude temple, a further 2 Kms to

Chandramouleeshwara /Ananteshwara temples in Udupi a total of 7 Kms .


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It is not that Vayu does not constantly offer his salutations to Hari, see Him and recite

His eulogies. But by performing these actions (in temples), he set an example to the

good people aspiring for Moksha demonstrating the necessity of doing so.

Bhatta searches for and finds his son

Not seeing his son in the crowd, Bhatta, the great Brahmin, who dearly loved his son,

went in search of him. He followed his foot steps quickly asking people on the way

frequently about his son.

Eager to see the smiling lotus like face of the son, he soon located him by getting

continuous directions about the way the boy had gone from wayfarers, in the samemanner as the honey bee eager to secure honey is guided by the smell of the lotus flower

wafted by the breezes.

He had earlier controlled the tears welling from his eyes due to the great sorrow of

losing his son, as inauspicious. Now, he controlled them again for the same reason as

the tears came again due to love of his son (when he got him back). He said to his son.

My son, my little child, please tell me every thing correctly. You have come alone this farnow. In this long trip, who was your companion, when you had none of our people with

you?

The lotus eyed child listened to the words of his father with attention and replied in his

sweet lisping words. While coming to temple in the Kodavur forest and going further to

the Narikela temple, my friend and companion was Narayana, resident in the Kodavur

temple.

When I came to this place after offering my obeisance there, Hari (of the Narikela

temple) was my friend and companion. Here I have prostrated to Him only, who is

immanent in the deity of the temple of the east (Chandramouleeshwara of Udupi).

After that, I have come here (Ananteshwara in the west) along with God who is


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immanent in the temple in the east, and have offered my prostrations to God

(Ananteshwara) who possesses all the auspicious possessions here. Saying this, the child

was honoured greatly amongst the gathering, which was filled with surprise and

pleasure

Note: The places mentioned here are actually there even today and are known as - The

place where the marriage function took place was Nidiyur, which is about 5 miles west

of Udupi near the sea shore. There was a forest about a mile away from there called

Kodavur in the south east, where there is an ancient temple of Shankara Narayana. To

the east of this place, about two miles away is Thalekude or Narikelyupapadanthara,

now called Bannanje, where Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Linga. One mile

away from there is Udupi, with two temples, the one in the east known as

Chandramolueeswara, where Shiva is the installed deity and the other being

Ananteshwara, where Vishnu is worshipped. Vasudeva has offered his salutations in

all these places to Hari either directly or as the immanent deity present in Shiva also.

This extraordinary feat in a child of only three years of age along with clear

devotional objectives must have impressed the crowd of people present.

The Brahmin (Bhatta) prostrated before Lord Anantashayana saying I am one with

little fortune, my son is fond of wandering out alone without his people and goes around

in places where danger lurks every where in the form of evil spirits and other harmful

creatures. Please protect my son, Oh, the ocean of mercy, I beg of you.

Taking his son along with him, the Brahmin with great austerities and penance went

home with his wife. The faces of the good people bloomed like lotuses when they saw the

effulgent boy, who was like the Sun (in causing them to bloom).

Vasudeva learns the alphabet

Once, the good Brahmin taught the letters (of the alphabet) to his child, who was

Mukhya Prana, whom even Saraswati, herself who is the presiding deity of all learning

offers her salutations always.

Why are you asking me to write the same set of letters written yesterday? asked the


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child to his father. These words of Vasudeva (having the same name as Hari) made his

father very happy (at the genius of his son).

This child is an ocean of intellect, let not that the evil eyes and speech of others envious

of his bright intellect cause harm to him thinking thus, the father started instructing

his son at a secret place, without any one else present

Vasudeva corrects Shivabhatta

Once Vasudeva went along with his mother to the village of Neyampalli (Ghrithavalli)

when they were invited to attend a marriage festival. Due to his sweet voice and

excellent manner of talking, he was welcomed by his people.

Vasudeva with the great intellect in a childs body saw a Brahmin with the name Shiva

born in the Madinaya (Dhauthapatodbhava) family reciting a Katha (purana story) to a

large audience in a hall.

Vasudeva who was sitting among the audience and (already) skilled in the manner of

correctly interpreting texts said slowly with a smile to the speaker these words with pure

diction What was stated by you was different and is not in accordance with the

intentions of great persons (like Shuka etc).

The audience sitting there and listening to Vasudevas words did not regard Shiva (as

more trustworthy than Vasudeva) who would care for the crying jackal, when the lion

cub roars.

When the people asked him to recite the passage with the correct meaning, he gave it (as

acceptable to the great). He was honoured well not only by the surprised persons there

but also by the gods, who were worshipful of this first victory in debates (of

Vasudeva/PoornaPrajna).

Vasudeva gets confirmation from Bhatta


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He came back with his mother to his fathers house and gave him a complete report of

the happening. He asked his father Tell me whether Shiva had made the incorrect

interpretation or was my statement incorrect?

My son, what you said was correct so replied the father. He thought with surprise

that his sons scholarship was natural to him as it is due to his deitys (Ananteshwara)

enormous blessings manifesting itself increasingly in the child.

Note: This incident illustrates Vasudevas command over the subject and his clear

incisive knowledge.

Vasudeva insists on completion of narration by his father

On one occasion when his father, who was the first amongst those giving discourses

from Puranas, was narrating very competently a Katha (story from Puranas) to a

gathering around him, the bright child who was the cynosure of all eyes and minds of

the people present asked his father to repeat a passage again.

He asked his father gently how is it that when giving the meanings of the names of

different trees, you have left out the word Likucha, and have continued with the

narration?

When his father could not give the meaning even when asked like this, and the people

there wanted to know it, he gave the correct meaning as a type of Jackfruit tree. The

gathering of people gave him an unprecedented honour.

Note: This incident illustrates that Vasudeva/Madhva would not compromise on facts

and data, leaving none unexplained or not taken into account. The same trait is visible

when he explains brilliantly the threefold meanings of the Vedas, Mahabharata etc,

which other schools tend to take partially as it suits their tenets, leaving out others as

unimportant, repetitive, meant for lesser persons etc.


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Vasudevas Upanayana

Vasudeva thus demonstrated many such acts (of his extraordinary capacity) by which

the whole world became surprised and curious about him. The great Brahmin thought

that as his child is of the proper age (5 years), he should perform his Upanayana (Sacred thread ceremony).

Bhatta, who had a large circle of relatives bound to him with strong ties of affection,

decided on an auspicious Muhurtha (period for the ceremony) taking into account the

star and planetary positions and with no adverse features. He performed the actual

ceremony surrounded by the noise and bustle of a large crowd of Brahmins.

Divine goddesses like Lakshmi, Saraswati, Bharati etc who are the deities who controlthe sacred vedas/Shastras along with their husbands had been desiring to sport on the

stage in the form of the lips of Vasudeva (in the form of the Vedas/Shastras) for a long

time. They were very happy to see from the heavens the ceremony being performed

along with their consorts (in anticipation of the future). This is wonderful.

Madhyageha Bhatta who was very learned and who had collected all the different

requirements for the prescribed ceremonies completed the offering of Havis into the

sacred blazing fire. He performed the Upanayana of his well adorned and healthy son

who had his head shaved providing for the Shikha for the occasion.

The father instructed his son Serve the fire and preceptors (by performing prescribed

Homa rituals and performing services to the latter), observe all prescribed disciplines

(like Brahmachary a etc), let your conduct be exemplary, study the good scriptures well.

The gods who were observers of this event laughed at the humorous sight of the teacher

of all the three worlds being instructed thus by his father.

When teaching his son, the Brahmin became very happy when he saw that his tender

son who had excelled Kumara (Skanda) in celibacy (Brahmacharya), always observed

correctly the prescribed rituals with no errors and was naturally clever in them.

Vasudeva who is the lord of the world has concealed his wealth, strength and other


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qualities and masqueraded as a child walking around (in an ordinary environment) like

a poor man going around in his single garment. This gave rise to merriment and wonder

in the heavenly assemblies of gods.

(Note : Some stories about Vasudeva are not given in Shrimadhvavijaya, but given in

Sampradaya Paddhati of Hrishikesha Tirtha, a direct disciple of Acharya Madhva

himself. These stories are dry stick growing into a tree, jumping from Vimana Giri to

his house leaving behind a foot mark, creation of Vasudeva tirtha, etc. These are also

authentic.)

Vasudeva flourishes a dry stick into a tree

Vasudeva used to spend most of his time in Vimanagiri Durga temple which is on top of

a hill in Paajaka. After all, Durga Devi is Sri Mukhya Pranas real mother. One day his

father saw Vasudeva going to the temple holding a dry stick (danDa) in his hand. His

father asked, Why are you roaming like a sanyasi? What is your intention? Vasudeva

replied, I will re -install Vaishnava faith and prove to the world the Sarvottamatva of

Lord Hari.

Father said, In this kaliyuga nobody wants to follow dharma, nobody wants to knowabout God, who will listen to you in the first place? It is as impossible to uplift dharma

in Kaliyuga a s it is to bloom the dry stick in your hand. Vasudeva did not reply, but he

quietly fixed his danDa in the ground and watered it. His father thought that Vasudeva

is playing, but within few days the dry stick blossomed and grew into big tree. His father

was surprised by the powers of his son and the will of the God. Even today, the tree can

be seen in Paajaka.

Vasudeva destroys an Asura Manimanta in the form of a snake

One demon by name Manimanta was looking at Vasudeva performing miracles such as

planting a dry stick and making it grow. He came to know about the intentions of

Vasudeva of reviving the faith in Lord Hari, and wanted to stop him. So he decided to


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kill the tree which Vasudeva had planted as proof of his intention.

He took the form of a big poisonous serpent, and sunk his teeth into the tree, but

nothing happened. He did not know that if Acharya Madhva touches a thing, that thing

cannot be destroyed by any person or poison. Manimanta was very angry at this, and

wanted to kill Vasudeva himself, and was waiting for a suitable occasion.

When Vasudeva was passing by, Manimanta wanted to bite him and kill him. But

Vasudeva came to know about Manimantas intention, and sportingly killed the serpent

by crushing its hood under his toes. In the process, the rock on which Manimanta was

standing also cracked and dented. This place can also be seen even today in Paajaka.

Vasudeva jumps from the hill

Once when Vasudeva (young Madhva) was on top of Vimanagiri hill, his mother called

him for eating food. Vasudeva immediately responded to the call and jumped from the

hill in front of the house. This great feat is nothing for Prana devaru who had crossed the

sea with one leap to reach Lanka, and who had jumped from Lanka to the Himalayas

bring the Sanjeevini hill during his avatara as Hanumanta. By this act Acharya is telling

us to respond immediately to the words of mother and father.

Feet impressions of Vasudeva formed on the rock ground in front of his house. Sri

Vadiraja Tirtha later built a temple in the same spot.

Creation of Vasudeva Tirtha (pond)

Young Madhva used to daily take bath in the four sacred tirthas (lakes) created by Lord

Parashurama himself (explained earlier). These four tirthas are Parashu tirtha, Dhanustirtha, Gada tirtha and Bana tirtha, which were capable of giving moksha to people who

dipped in them. His mother was very much worried about his son taking bath in four

ponds daily. On one Saadhana dvadashi day she insisted Vasudeva not to take bath in all

four ponds, but to take bath in one of them and return home fast. Vasudeva did not want

to disrespect his mothers words. Nor did he want to give up the punya of taking bath in


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all four ponds. So he inserted his danDa into the ground. The danDa went inside the

rock like a bore well, and the water sprung and formed the fifth lake. This pond is now

called Vasudeva tirtha.

Vasudevas mother then felt sorry for depriving her son of the punya of taking bath in

the four ponds. Vasudeva said, dont worry, water from all the four sacred ponds are

present in this fifth pond. One who dips in this pond will get the benifit of dipping in all

four. To prove this, I will plant the aShwatha plant upside down. If my words are true,

then the plant will grow, else, not. Saying thus, young Madhva planted a Ashwatha

plant upside down, which continued to grow. Even today this tree can be seen in

Paajaka, proving the sanctity of the Vasudeva tirtha.

Vasudeva goes to Gurukula

Though Vasudeva showed himself and acted as a human being, he is Mukhya Prana, the

dust beneath whose feet is applied with great respect to the heads of gods such as

Ishwara, Brihaspati, Indra and other gods. He started study of the Vedas after saluting

the Brahmins by falling at their feet.

All the learning of the Vedas, arts such as music along with Narayana (the wielder of the

Chakra) who is mainly extolled by them are always present in the mind of Vasudeva asclearly as a ball held in the palm of his hand. But he also pretended to study like an

ignorant human being, though he is the teacher of all.

Vasudeva in sports

After the lessons, Vasudeva played happily with a large number of fellow students of his

age and those senior to him who were good at sports at places far off from the teachers

place.

He would indicate the point to be reached and run immediately along with his friends

running fast. He would be first there effortlessly. This was no surprise as he was none

other than Pavana or Mukhya Prana, who can beat even the speed of the mind.


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In jumping long distances, Vasudeva in this birth (as a brahmin boy) conquered all his

friends easily. When he had incarnated as Hanuman, he had excelled other monkeys like

Angada, the son of Vaali, when carrying out the desire of Rama (for jumping over the

ocean in search of Seeta).

When Vasudeva defeated his friends in water sports, they out of rivalry, threw water

held in their hollowed palms at him. Vasudeva would show by his red eyes his apparent

discomfort, but would always have a smile with a special luster on his face.

That son of a Brahmin (Vasudeva) caused the strong friends who cane to him one by one

with an intention of wrestling to fall gently. When they came together at him, he again

made them fall quickly without effort.

Vasudeva showed his immense strength in holding others tightly in his grip, getting

himself released when held by others or in lifting heavy weights (effortlessly). When

people called him Bhima on account of this, though they thought it was only as an

illustration, it was literally true.

Teacher is annoyed with Vasudeva (Madhva)

Vasudeva sported like this, did not (appear to) study like others in his class, went home(for food etc) and came back late to the class. The Brahmin from the family of

Poogavana (tOTantillAya), his Guru was unhappy at this behaviour of Vasudeva, the

teacher of all the worlds.

Once during the class (for studying Vedas), the teacher angrily told Vasudeva, who was

thinking of some thing else Oh, you stupid one, Why are you not studying properly

along with your friends and are always disinterested (in studies)?

Vasudeva replied that the repetition of the Vedic Charanas etc (a fourth part of Rik) with

the intention of memorizing them is not interesting to his mind (since he already knew

them all). The teacher said you talk as if you are a good scholar (already). Recite the

text of the Mantra following this part (taught earlier).


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Note: The traditional practice of learning the Veda by rote in repeating a quarter, half

and complete Rik was boring to Vasudeva, who knew all of them more than the

teacher or any on else did already.

Vasudeva shows his scholarship

Vasudevas faultless recitation (as a reply to his teacher) of the Veda text which had all

the correct qualities of pronunciation without any defects, leading to correct knowledge

being imparted to others, not only created wonder and happiness in the mind of the

teacher, but also in the gods watching the same.

Note: Vedas are expected to be intoned in exactly the prescribed manner with emphasis

of sounds, stops, and lengthening some sounds, to convey the exact meanings assignedto them.

Vasudeva cures his friend, the son of his teacher

Once Vasudeva cured the intense, congenital and unbearable pain in the head of his

friend, his Gurus son (also named Vasudeva) in a lonely forest by blowing air from h is

mouth into his ear

Note: Bhavaprakashika explains that the dear friend was the son of the teacher.

Vasudeva showed him the infinite previous lives he had gone through. Later he presided

over a great sacrifice performed by him also.

Vasudeva creates danDa tIrtha

Madhvas teacher toTantillaya (one who has his house in the middle of toTa or farm)

had a big farm, required for the sustenance of his gurukula. Vasudeva (Madhva) noticed

that the crops in Guru's field were not healthy and were dried up. When Vasudeva asked

the teacher for the reason, Guru replied that there was acute water scarcity in that place.

Vasudeva decided to help his teacher and his gurukula. He inserted a danDa (stick) into


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the ground, and created a stream of water, which irrigated the fields of guru.

Significance of this stream is that it never dried so far, whereas the nearby streams often

dry in the scorching summer. This stream is called danDa tIrtha. Even now, during the

paryaya festival in Udupi, the Swamiji who is going to ascend the pITha will first take a

dip in danDa tIrtha before coming in procession.

Vasudevas extraordinary scholarship

After listening only once to an Upanishad which demonstrates the glory of Vishnu

(Mahanarayanopanishat), and Sri Mahaithareyopanishat, they were fully comprehended

by Vasudeva It is no wonder as, hundreds of Vedic hymns not even heard once (by any

body) have been comprehended by him by virtue of his great intellect.

Note: The Upanishad is called Prakatabhagavatee in Shrimadhvavijaya

Bhavaprakashika explains that it is Srimannaroyanopanishat.

Vasudeva pays Guru Dakshina

Vasudeva, with his special capacity, gave the most appropriate Guru Dakshina ofdevotion to Lord Hari, in a secret place to his Guru, by explaining clearly the special

meanings of the Aitareya Upanishad during a lesson on it, the correct understanding of

which leads to Moksha by developing devotion.

At the end of the stay in Gurukula the abode of the Guru, the gods prayed to Vasudeva

our lord! Destroy the wicked completely, give happiness to your own people, describe

fully and clearly the concealed (by Advaita) qualities of Vishnu, do not delay anymore.

Taking formal permission of the Brahmin Guru, Vasudeva prepared to take up the nextphase of his work, giving joy to the gods.

The Third chapter of Shrimadhvavijaya Mahakaavya written by Sri

Narayana Panditacharya, son of Sri Trivikrama Panditacharya concludes


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here.

CHAPTER 4

Introduction to the Chapter

Vasudeva decides to take the vows of an ascetic, to fulfill his lifes purpose of redeeming

the true Vedic philosophy and thus serve God. He seeks a suitable Guru and finds him in

Sri Achyuta Prajna (Preksha). The parents are extremely unhappy that their precious

son is being lost to them at an early age and hence try to persuade him against the move.

He succeeds in convincing them to give their reluctant approval and also promises to

take up the orders only after another son is born to them. He is finally initiated by

Achyuta Prajna and is named PoornaPrajna.

Very soon he shows his Guru that he is very special and has extraordinary knowledge

and powe rs. His Gurus trying to teach him Advaita comes to a dead end, as the keen

criticisms by PoornaPrajna is unanswerable by his Guru.

Vasudeva decides to become an ascetic

After returning from Gurukula, the astute Vasudeva, with his heart melted with the

nectar of kindness towards the good people of the world, his mind constantly occupied

in contemplating Hari, the Lord of Ramaa and desiring to destroy evil thieves who had

stolen the correct tenets of Vedanta (by misrepresentation), thought with his great

intellect:

People turn towards God and contemplation of His grace and virtues, only when they

lose interest completely in materialistic pleasures. Men emulate Gurus and elders whomthey esteem. Therefore, I will adopt the state of Paramahamsa / Sannyasa

(Renunciation) as it will reveal my intrinsic disinterest in materialistic pleasures.

Use of force (danDa) and punishment against the haters of my master, Vishnu is the

only option available to me, as I have the necessary capacity. But, as goddess Durga, the


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sister of Krishna is shortly incarnating for destruction of the wicked, I will not take up

this work.

Note: There is reference to the forthcoming incarnation of Goddess Durga for the

destruction of evil in Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya 32/164.

Thinking thus, Vasudeva who contemplated Hari, with the infinite names always,

decided to renounce all worldly objects such as the house etc. He started to prostrate

again and again before all such objects towards the immanent Hari to seek permission

for becoming an ascetic.

When his parents and relatives asked him the reasons for his repeated prostration,

Vasudeva explained that he was prostrating to his belongings (implying his master,

Narayana). .He, who is the Guru to the whole world, set out to find himself a Guru for

himself. (to set an example to the world for seeking knowledge and initiation to

Sannyasa).

Vasudeva meets Achyutaprajna

At that time, Achyutaprajna was there (in Udupi), pure in thought and deed, having

conquered the senses and wearing the lone jewel of complete renunciation. His name Achyutapreksha (Achyutaprajna) was truly appropriate as he was always contemplating

Achyuta, the Supreme Being.

Note: The Guru of Vasudeva has been called Achyutapreksha in this shloka, which is

adopted by many others subsequently. But Bhavaprakashika of Narayana

Panditacharya clarifies that the word has been used as a synonym for Prajna. This

fits in also with the name he chose for his illustrious disciple PoornaPrajna. Thus, the

correct name appears to be Achyutaprajna.

Achyutaprajna was an ascetic in his previous birth seeking alms only from good people,

like the bee collecting juices from many sources. He stayed with the Pandavas for several

years and had partaken the pure blessed food prepared and served by Draupadi. This

had purified his mind.


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Achyutaprajna had studied and later taught Advaita. But, after he was taught the proper

tenets by Madhva, he repented for his having studied and propagated the evil Shastras

and hence, he was freed of all sins. This was similar to the hunter named Jara, who had

shot an arrow at the feet of Lord Krishna, but who repented sincerely later on, for his act

and was absolved of all sin.

Gurus teaching to Achyutaprajna

Once, when Achyutaprajna's Guru sensed his own imminent death, he called his

obedient disciple Achyutaprajna who was well read in the Vedas/Upanishads and who

was keen to understand the correct tenets always, in a lonely place and taught him:

Oh, Suvratha (one who has always correctly observed the prescribed rituals),

Mayavada propounds that when the knowledge that I am myself Para

Brahman is fully cognised and assimilated, there will nothing else existing

other than the self. This tenet is not justifiable with the application of the

Yukthis such as Upakrama. Therefore, do not ever accept it.

Oh, Saumya (gentle one), this tenet of Athmaikya prescribed for contemplation by

Mayavada has not been realised by me or my Guru or any of his predecessors ever. So Iadvise you to worship Mukunda (Narayana who alone can give Moksha) for getting the

correct Tatvajnana.

Note: Though the correct tenets were not clearly laid down and known before Acharya

Madhva, doubts about Advaita/Mayavada persisted even amongst erudite scholars

who had studied it for a life time. The entire Bhagavatha tradition with its emphasis

on Bhakthi or devotion was an expression of dichotomy between Mayavada and

Devotion.

After giving this good advice, the Guru with the wise words passed away. Achyutaprajna

pondered repeatedly over this advice. He decided to stay in Udupi and worship Lord

Anantasana, the consort of Indira


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Achyutaprajna worships Anantasana

When Achyutaprajna was thus worshipping Him with great devotion and constant

desire to know the correct tenets of the Shastras, Lord Anantasana who is kind to his

devotees, manifested himself in a man and conveyed His advice: Know me through agreat disciple who will come to you in future.

Achyutaprajna had continued his worship of Lord Anantasana, with his mind constantly

engaged in Him, keenly looking forward to the realisation of the predicted divine

blessing. Vasudeva, who is the Guru of all good people and who had taken human form

for special reasons, approached him.

Vasudevas parents come to Achyutaprajna

The doting parents of Vasudeva, in great agony of being separated from him, came to

Udupi to visit their dear son, who had become a disciple of the great saint,

Achyutaprajna, staying in Rajathapeethapura firm in his desire to become an ascetic.

They pleaded with him: It is not proper that being the only son, he should take the vows

of an ascetic, forsaking his surviving parents in their old age, when they had no one else

to look after them. They did pradakshina namaskara (prostration after going round in

clockwise direction) to him.

Vasudeva replied: It is a wonder that, though it is not proper for elders to prostrate

before a youngster, both of you have done so. Thus, Lord Hari has made you give the

permission to me (to become an ascetic).

Unable to answer Vasudeva , they pleaded again with him to abandon thoughts of

becoming an ascetic. They prostrated to Achutaprajna and returned to their village with

a heavy heart with the memory of their son's beautiful face constantly in their minds

.The agony of separation made every moment seem like an aeon to them.

Madhyageha Bhatta comes again and finally gives his consent


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Madhva's father, Bhatta was still badly distressed thinking of their son becoming an

ascetic. After a little while, he crossed the river Netravati and went again to another

(Kuthyadi) matha (in the village Karyuru), where Vasudeva was staying along with

Achyutaprajna.

Even though Bhatta would normally venerate elders and avoid offending them, he

became very angry and took an oath in front of his son that he would take a serious step

(like fast unto death), if Vasudeva wore the loin cloth (symbol for an acetic)

Vasudeva promptly tore his upper garment and wore it as a Kaupeena (loin cloth). He

explained to his father that it was not correct on his part to come in the way of a good act

like renunciation which is pleasing to God.

Note: Vasudevas dealing with his fathers emotion was a fine blend of sympathy with

firmness on the subject of what he considered as his prime duty. Thus, He tried to

convince his parents and get their approval on the basic ground that he was doing the

right thing.

Madhyageha then tried to convince Vasudeva Manu says that a son has no better and

more sacred duty than taking care of his parents in their old age. You are our only son,

as your two (elder) brothers have died in their childhood. There will be none to protect

us if you become an ascetic.

Note: Manu said that elderly parents, a gentle wife, baby son should be protected at all

costs. This quote is given in Bhavaprakashika.

The father said that as he had learnt many scriptures, he could some how bear with the

pain of losing his son thus. But how could his mother accept it? Hearing this, Vasudeva

made obeisance to his father seeking his permission.

Then, the scholarly Bhatta, being unable to counter the son's logic, said with great

difficulty - "I give my consent conditional to your getting the consent of your mother".


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He returned home bearing his anguish with difficulty and narrated the events to his

wife.

Madhvas brother is born (The future Vishnu Tirtha)

In due course, the couple was blessed with another son, younger brother to Madhva, like

Lakshmana to Rama, Arjuna to Bhimasena, Gada to Krishna. Just like all of them, the

brother was a dear servant devoted to Vasudeva, the all knowing.

Mother gives permission for Vasudeva taking the oaths of being an Ascetic

After a little while, Vasudeva, whose divine knowledge is never destroyed visited their

home and said to his mo ther: This child will look after you. As the mother had decided

not to give her permission as ordered by her husband, he said:

If you wish to see me again sometimes, please permit me now to take the oaths for

being an ascetic as otherwise I will go away from this place never to return and hence

you will never see me again.

The mother felt that if they can never see him again, it is as good as having lost him. She

was very anguished, but being of a Satvika disposition (not being able to hinder good

deeds which she knew that her son will do in future as an ascetic), she decided with

great difficulty to fall in with her sons wishes.

Vasudeva takes up Sanyasa

Vasudeva went back to Achyutaprajna and pleased him by his virtuous actions. He was

also facilitated by the great gods like Rudra, in anticipation of the great work being done

by him after becoming an ascetic. Being himself, a great god and being capable of

observing all the requirements of all the Ashramas (different status of life), he was

initiated into Sanyasa by Achyutaprajna.


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Vasudeva knowing all the appropriate rites to be performed with the correct sequence

and procedures, performed all such rites as Jeeva-shraddha as prescribed in the

scriptures. He offered all his belongings to Hari again and again for getting his special

grace, though Hari was always pleased with him.

The learned scholars of the scriptures explain that the Om mantra also called Pranava

has infinite variants and is made in its simplest form from three distinct matras viz a-

kara, u-kara and ma-kara . The Pranava is understood and meditated on by great

Jnanis, the foremost amongst them being Chaturmukha Brahma. Vasudeva, an avatara

of Prana who is slated to become the next Brahma is the best qualified to chant this

Pranava mantra in his meditation.

Vasudeva is named PoornaPrajna

Mukhya Prana (Vasudeva) being Sarvajna (all knowing) is appropriately known by the

name PoornaBodha, DashaPramati etc in the Vedas. The famous Guru Achyutaprajna

who ordained Vasudeva with the ceremonial teaching of the Pranava mantra aptly

renamed him PoornaPrajna.

PoornaPrajna did not apply sandal paste on his body nor was he wearing any item of

jewellery or chewing the betel leaves to give a bright red colour to the mouth. He carried

only the Yati Danda (ceremonial stick) held in his hand. But, his innate supreme

effulgence which was unmatched made a great impression on the men who saw him and

filled their minds with awe filled reverence.

Note: Even at this time, when he had just become an ascetic, his body with its 32

auspicious Lakshanas along with the innate effulgence of his personality would have

shown him as unique amongst others.

PoornaPrajna behaves like an ordinary ordained ascetic


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Gods such as MahaShesha, Garuda and Rudra were biding their turn to prostrate before

PoornaPrajna. Yet, he prostrated before Achyutaprajna and other Gurus. This pretence

by the great for instructing the world of correct conduct is indeed amazing.

Achyutaprajna had planned to specially impart his knowledge regarding the correct

observance of the rituals to PoornaPrajna. But, he observed that the latter followed them

to perfection. He himself learnt many special things from the disciple and was amazed

in his mind.

Lord Anantasana indicates PoornaPrajna as the promised Saviour

After taking sannyasa, PoornaPrajna prostrated to Lord Anantasana at Udupi with great

devotion and bliss. The lord manifested Himself in a man who then held Madhvas armand lifted him up.

He took him to Achyutaprajna an d while giving PoornaPrajna told him: You had always

meditated on me for a long time for learning the correct tenets of Vedanta. I am giving

you PoornaPrajna as your boon.

Achutaprajna received this benediction from the Lord gratefully and felt blessed. He

remembered Hari again and again. Though he had renounced worldly contacts hedeveloped a very close contact with PoornaPrajna . Satsanga (association with the

righteous) is indeed an ornamental decoration for the Asangis (those who have

renounced the world).

The holy Ganga comes to Madhva sarovara

The erudite PoornaPrajna desirous of bathing in the holy Ganga, sought the Guru's leavefor the trip with repeated prostration. Achyutapreksha, unable to bear the pangs of

separation from him, became sad and prayed to his deity Lord Anantasana only for

guidance.

The kind Lord manifested himself in a man and intimated PoornaPrajna - "The divine


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Ganga will come to you at the pond (now known as Madhva Sarovara) in three days

time. You need not go to bathe in the river Ganga".

PoornaPrajna and all the people there bathed in the holy Ganga at Madhva sarovara in

Udupi itself, which had arrived there as ordered by Lord Anantasana.

Symbolic of the special blessings on PoornaPrajna by the Lord, the holy

Ganga comes to Madhva Sarovara, even now, once every twelve years.

PoornaPrajna defeats Vasudeva panditha

40 days after PoornaPrajna taking sanyasa, he defeated Vasudeva Pandita and others

who had won many debates and were very difficult to argue with, on account of their

skill in Yuktis in a Vada Katha and secured a victory document in writing.

Note: PoornaPrajna was all of 10 years and a few months, while his opponents must

have been well into middle age to have established the reputations.

Achyutaprajna tries to teach IshTa siddhi to PoornaPrajna

Achyutaprajna wished to make his dear disciple more learned. He started teaching an

Advaita text called Ishta Siddhi, which was an ocean of argumentative complexities. The

great PoornaPrajna listened to this composition without any interest.

Note: IsTa siddhi written by ViMuktaatman (950 AD) is a famous composition having

eight sections dealing with all the main tenets of Advaita, such as Jaganmithyathva

illusory nature of the world etc.

PoornaPrajna pointed out that there were 32 mistakes in the very first stanza of Ishta

Siddhi. Achyutaprajna clarified that these were explained and resolved in the next


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sections. PoornaPrajna requested him to cite the explanations.

Achyutaprajna, a great scholar on Advaita became angry and said that I do not have the

capacity to teach you. Others who heard this, started doubting the very concepts of

Mayavada, as this (authoritative) composition itself was found defective.

PoornaPrajna displays his mastery over Bhagavatha

Once Achyutaprajna was giving a discourse on Bhagavata to five or six disciples along

with PoornaPrajna. They read out several manuscripts of the Bhagavata vastly varying

in the text. The erudite PoornaPrajna identified one of them as the version of the correct

text composed by VedaVyasa, the divine author of Bhagavata.

Achyutaprajna asked that when all the versions of text had equal probability of being

correct, how PoornaPrajna could determine a specific text as correct? PoornaPrajna

firmly said that it is clear that this text alone is the one acceptable to VedaVyasa.

Note: This is the first indication of the vast knowledge of PoornaPrajna in Shastra

compositions, where his knowledge was enormous, deep and complete unlike even that

of his Guru, who had doubts as to which of the texts was really correct. It is this that

later led to the writing of the great Nirnaya compositions Mahabharata and

Bhagavatha by Acharya Madhva

Achyutaprajna, the eminent ascetic said: If you know the original composition of

VedaVyasa, the teacher of the whole world, on Bhagavata, then recite the prose portion

of Panchama Skandha of this composition along with explaining its meanings.

Simultaneously, all the books on the subject were examined by the other students on

instructions from Achyutaprajna. PoornaPrajna's rendering (of all the chapters of

Panchama Skandha) were found to be fully and accurately in line with one of them,

earlier identified as the correct version composed by VedaVyasa without any errors.

PoornaPrajna reveals his Sarvajnatva


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Achyutaprajna asked PoornaPrajna - "How are you able to render accurately this Purana

which you have not ever read even once in this life". PoornaPrajna replied that he had

learnt all these in previous lives.

The effulgence of the (rising) Sun quickly dispels darkness and spreads all over the

world. The spreading soft light of the rising moon causes Naidile flowers to bloom.

PoornaPrajna's reputation of extraordinary knowledge created feelings of wonder in the

whole world, though it was still very new.

Note: The reputation of PoornaPrajna who renounced the world at the age of 10 years

and who already had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Shastras at this very young

age, not obviously obtained by study under any one should have rapidly spread

around the country creating wonder and joy for the good people.

The Fourth chapter of Shrimadhvavijaya Mahakavya written by Sri

Narayana Panditacharya, son of Sri Trivikrama Panditacharya concludes

here.

CHAPTER 5

Introduction to the Chapter

PoornaPrajna lost no time in taking up the main assignment given to him by the

Supreme Being. His Guru entrusted to him the responsibility of establishing and

maintaining against all comers the Vedanta tenets as the future head of the pontifical

throne. After demonstrating his extraordinary capacity in conducting debates for

determining the true Vedanta tenets and is vanquishing all opponents, both friendly or

otherwise, he was accepted as the real custodian of the intellectual aspects of the work of

the Matha. He destroyed at this very early stage itself, Bauddha and Prabhakara

scholars. He went for a Southern tour along with his teacher and other scholars when he

started preaching the true tenets of Vedanta, while criticising Advaita interpretations

successfully. He visited Vishnumangala temple (near Kasaragod), Tiruvanantapura,


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Rameshwara and Sri Ranga, before returning to Udupi. He celebrated his first

Chaturmasya in Rameshwara, though he was threatened and abused by his opponents.

He indicated to others his decision to compose a new Bhashya for the great Brahma

Sutras of Sri VedaVyasa

PoornaPrajna is ordained to the Peetha as Ananda Tirtha

After some time, Achyutaprajna, the Guru decided that for administering the kingdom

of the great Vedanta Vidya, PoornaPrajna, who had great knowledge should be

nominated (as a prince). He was formally installed by the ritual pouring of sacred waters

from the conch (on his head).

Note: The analogy of being installed as crown prince is appropriate as he has to

protect it from enemies, spread the kingdom of knowledge and to achieve the objectives

of peace and happiness in his kingdom. Thus, establishment of ones own tenets and

rejection of others tenets would form a major prerequisite for such selection.

Ananda Tirtha is a very appropriate appellation

The name Anandatirtha given by the Guru after the ceremony, to PoornaPrajna was very

appropriate as he always had his mind fixed on the Supreme Being having the essence of

Ananda (bliss), and he would compose the sacred Shastras which would give (Ananda)

bliss to the aspirants.

Ananda Tirtha conquers other scholars in Tarka (logic)

Once, an ascetic friend of Achyutaprajna came there (Udupi) accompanied by a large

number of disciples. These were well trained in Tarka Shastra (logic) and being unduly

proud of their knowledge wanted to defeat PoornaPrajna of the mighty intellect.

They put forward immediately a syllogism which was a terror for the opponent, for

establishing Difference (Bheda), claiming that it is easily established by it. Ananda


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Tirtha with great wisdom and ability to uphold his position destroyed the syllogism

clearly in the same manner as Garuda destroys serpents.

They put forward next a syllogism that the world (which is the subject for discussion) is

unreal, as it is like the Shell-silver, which is also seen and about which, it is beyond

dispute that it is unreal. Ananda Tirtha then put forward another syllogism that the

world which is seen is real, as it is like a Ghata (Pot) which is also seen and which is real

(being capable of being used for our activities).

The visiting disciples who were surprised at Ananda Tirthas extraordinary intellect,

pointed out that the syllogism given by Ananda Tirtha suffers from the defect of

Ativyapti (over pervasion) of the Hethu. [(reason on which the conclusion is based in

this case Drishyatva being cognised is present both in real objects like the pot and

unreal objects like the Shell-silver)]. But Ananda Tirtha answered them by saying that

imputing this defect is not correct. [(as for cognition, one needs a working relationship

between the eye and the object. In the case of the Shellsilver, as it does not exist at all,

there can not be any such relationship. Therefore there can be no Drishyathva hethu)].

Thus he won over them completely in the Vada Katha

Madhwa becomes well known as Anumana Tirtha

He established thereby that Anumana Pramana (Syllogism by itself, without the help of

other valid Pramanas) can not be independently valid, as they could be stated by him

leading to both correct and incorrect conclusions. Thus by defeating all opponents, he

became well known in assemblies of scholars by the name of Anumana Tirtha.

Note: By this incident PoonaPrajna established his unmatched mastery over Tharka

Shastra thus silencing both Tharkikas, who hold that unaided Tharka alone is

adequate to determine the truths and other Vedanta schools, who had used Tharka

wrongly to support their misinterpretations.

Defeat of Buddhisagara and Vadisimha


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Vadisimha who had defeated all great scholars in debates like the lion destroys

elephants and Buddhisagara, who was the foremost amongst those who did not accept

the validity of the Vedas and who was looking for opponents (to further establish his

supremacy) during the course of their travels came to Udupi.

Note: Buddhisagara was a Bauddha. Vadisimha was a Vaisheshika Brahmana, who had

become Buddhisagaras disciple after being defeated by him, as explained by

Bhavaprakashika.

Achyutaprajna who wanted to defeat the proud and haughty Buddhisagara sent for the

astute and learned Ananda Tirtha from another Matha by sending another disciple

quickly. This was like a warrior taking a sharp arrow by his hand from another quiver.

Crowds of curious people quickly gathe

tatva vaada philosophy

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